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Breathlessness: Common Causes and When It May Be a Heart Problem

 Breathlessness: Common Causes and When It May Be a Heart Problem Breathlessness, medically known as dyspnea, is the feeling of not getting enough air or having difficulty breathing. It can happen after strenuous exercise and may be completely normal. However, breathlessness that occurs suddenly, repeatedly, or even during routine activities should not be ignored. Although many people associate breathing difficulty with lung problems, heart conditions can also cause breathlessness. In some cases, it may be an early warning sign of a serious cardiovascular problem. At Ameena Heart & Critical Care Hospital, we believe that understanding the possible causes of breathlessness can help patients seek timely medical care. What Does Breathlessness Feel Like? People may describe breathlessness as: * Feeling unable to take a deep breath * Tightness in the chest * Feeling that there is not enough air * Rapid or difficult breathing * Getting tired or breathless during routine activities * ...

Why Are Heart Attacks Increasing in Young Adults?

 Why Are Heart Attacks Increasing in Young Adults? Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention Ameena Heart & Critical Care Hospital A heart attack is often considered a disease of older adults. But that assumption can be dangerous. Young adults can also develop coronary artery disease and experience a heart attack, particularly when multiple cardiovascular risk factors are present. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits and a family history of premature heart disease can all increase cardiovascular risk. Some of these risk factors can begin much earlier in life and may remain unnoticed for years. (www.heart.org) The good news is that many important risk factors are modifiable. Understanding your risk early and taking preventive steps can help protect your heart for years to come. What Is a Heart Attack? A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscl...

High BP and Heart disease: Understanding the Connection

High BP and Heart Disease: Understanding the Connection High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. It often develops without obvious symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called a “silent killer.” When blood pressure remains high for a long period, the heart has to work harder than normal. Over time, this increased workload can damage the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. How Does High BP Affect the Heart? Every time your heart beats, blood is pushed against the walls of your arteries. When this pressure remains consistently high, the arteries and heart can become damaged. Long-term uncontrolled hypertension can: * Make the heart muscle thicker and stiffer * Increase the workload on the heart * Damage the inner lining of blood vessels * Contribute to the formation of cholesterol plaques * Increase the risk of heart attack * Increase the risk of heart failure * Increase the r...

ECG (Electrocardiogram): What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What It Can Detect

 ECG (Electrocardiogram): What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What It Can Detect An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and most commonly used tests to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test that provides important information about your heart rate and rhythm. At Ameena Heart and Critical Care Hospital, ECG testing can help doctors evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, and unexplained fatigue. What Is an ECG? An ECG, also called an EKG, records the electrical signals generated by your heart. These signals control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. During an ECG, small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and limbs. These electrodes detect the heart’s electrical activity, which is then displayed as characteristic waves on the ECG machine. The test usually takes only a few minutes and does not involve needles or injections. Why Is an ECG Done? Doctors may recommend an ECG ...

Chest pain: Is it Gastritis or a Heart problem? Know the Warning Signs

Chest Pain: Is It Gastritis or a Heart Problem? Know the Warning Signs Chest pain is a symptom that should never be ignored. While gastritis, acid reflux, or indigestion can sometimes cause discomfort in the chest, heart-related conditions can produce similar symptoms. Knowing the difference can help you seek medical attention at the right time. At Ameena Cardiac Care & Diagnostic Centre, we believe that understanding warning signs is an important part of protecting your heart health. Can Gastritis Cause Chest Pain? Yes. Gastritis and acid reflux can sometimes cause a burning or uncomfortable sensation in the upper abdomen or chest. Symptoms may be related to meals and can be accompanied by: * Burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen * Sour or bitter taste in the mouth * Bloating or belching * Nausea * Symptoms that worsen after certain meals or when lying down However, symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm that chest pain is caused by gastritis. What Does Heart-Related Che...

Diabetes: Early Signs You Should Not Ingore

 Diabetes: Early Signs You Should Not Ignore Diabetes is a common condition in which blood glucose levels become too high because the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. While some people develop noticeable symptoms, type 2 diabetes can also develop gradually with few or no obvious warning signs. Recognizing the early symptoms and getting tested at the right time can help prevent long-term complications. 10 Early Signs of Diabetes You Should Not Ignore 1. Frequent Urination Are you visiting the washroom more often than usual, especially at night? High blood glucose can cause the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urination. 2. Excessive Thirst Frequent urination can cause increased fluid loss, which may make you feel unusually thirsty. Persistent thirst despite drinking adequate water should not be ignored. 3. Increased Hunger Some people with diabetes experience unusual or persistent hunger. When glucose cannot ...

“Hypertension: The Silent Killer”

 # High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer – Causes, Symptoms & Prevention High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. It affects millions of people, yet many are unaware they have it because it often develops without noticeable symptoms. This is why hypertension is known as the "Silent Killer." If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels, increasing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke. The good news is that hypertension can often be prevented or effectively managed with a healthy lifestyle and timely medical care. ## What Is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured using two numbers: - Systolic Blood Pressure: The pressure when the heart beats. - Diastolic Blood Pressure: The pressure when the heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure is genera...